Blue-White Game Could Spotlight Penn State’s Youth

(Story first published in The Daily Collegian / Written by Avery Hill)

With new coordinators on both sides of the ball, Saturday’s spring game will be a chance for Penn State to find new contributors for its 2024 campaign.

With a different style of play, coordinators traditionally opt to give different contributors a chance, trying out new additions to the roster. With James Franklin’s recruiting acumen paired with the experience of Penn State’s new sideline leaders, fans will likely see some new faces shine Saturday.

Here’s who to look out for on game day.

Tony Rojas, linebacker

A late-season star in the 2024 campaign, Tony Rojas could be conjuring up a magical season, and Saturday might be the beginning.

The coming-out party for Rojas came on Nov. 4 against Maryland, when he recorded a forced fumble and interception within three plays during garbage time.

What ensued down the stretch likely elevated Rojas to a full-time starting role, especially given the departure of Curtis Jacobs to the NFL and Abdul Carter’s move to defensive end.

Heading into the spring game, Rojas pairs a versatile skill set with a frame that hovers around 230 pounds. He may play limited snaps Saturday, which would signal that he’s likely locked up a starting spot on the depth chart.

Julian Fleming, wide receiver

Most Penn State fans will be keeping an eye out for Ohio State transfer Julian Fleming on Saturday.

After a campaign in which the Nittany Lions lacked star power in their receiver room, Fleming will look to elevate the room as a big, 6-foot-2 receiver with high upside.

Though his numbers with the Buckeyes didn’t pop, injuries and the depth of Ryan Day’s squad were certainly a factor, and he still flashed on occasions, topping out at 15.7 yards per catch and six touchdowns in 2022.

Saturday gives the former 5-star out of Catawissa, Pennsylvania, the chance to adjust to Penn State’s offense. Fitting in should be no problem for Fleming, as offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s Kansas offense utilized multiple receivers north of 6-foot-2 to make an impact.

King Mack, safety

Starring in the new and improved nickel, or “Lion,” position could be sophomore King Mack.

Mack came into Happy Valley with big expectations, ranked as the No. 6 safety in the 2023 recruiting class by 247Sports.

Following a season where Mack played primarily on special teams, he could make a jump similar to safety Kevin Winston Jr., who took over a starting safety role after limited play in 2022.

Like Winston, making the jump will be no easy task, as the Nittany Lion secondary features a multitude of versatile contributors.

In new defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s unit, Mack could see substantial playing time Saturday. With a big performance, Mack could easily assert himself as the Lion King headed into his second season.

Cam Wallace, running back

Though the top two spots on the running back depth chart are likely accounted for, redshirt freshman Cam Wallace could see himself locking up the third spot with a big performance Saturday.

Last season, Wallace didn’t play any snaps but used the idle time to get “bigger” and “faster,” according to defensive teammate Zakee Wheatley. Wallace is listed at 199 pounds, an eight-pound increase from 2023 and 24 pounds heavier than when he committed.

Coming out of Mount Vernon, Georgia, Wallace made a name for himself with his track speed — boasting a 10.56 100-meter dash. With added size and speed, he could easily find himself taking the scat back role in Kotelnicki’s offense, emphasizing his ability to get in space.

The spring game provides an opportunity for ample playing time, allowing Wallace to make his case for the RB3 role when he and his teammates suit up for the Blue-White game at 2 p.m. Saturday.